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Weekend Cover Story

Super Party

Pick a JBLM spot to watch the game with friends

By Dean Siemon/Northwest Guardian

Scott Hansen/Northwest Guardian

The Warrior Zone will be showing the Super Bowl on 64 televisions throughout the lounge and gaming areas Sunday. The MWR-sponsored event will kick off with a Madden tournament at 1 p.m.

There is plenty of excitement for this years NFL Championship as the local team, the Seattle Seahawks, will play the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

If you dont have a ticket to the biggest game of the year, there are plenty of viewing parties at Joint Base Lewis-McChord  whether you root for the Seahawks or Broncos, watch only for the commercials or want to see the halftime show featuring Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

People just like to watch the Super Bowl, said Elizabeth Thunstedt, Warrior Zone recreation manager. There are a lot of guys from the Denver area stationed here. Hopefully it will be a friendly rivalry here.

The Warrior Zone on Lewis North is known for being a place to enjoy food, drinks, sports and video games. The popular venue will show the game on 64 televisions throughout the lounge and gaming areas.

Crowds have filled the Warrior Zone throughout the NFL regular season and playoffs since opening two years ago. In fact, one of the biggest events the Warrior Zone hosted was Super Bowl XLVI when the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots one week after the Zones grand opening.

One of the things we do here is watch sports, Thunstedt said. Of course we watch other sports, but this is one of our favorite events.

The Super Bowl party actually kicks off hours before the game with a Madden video game tournament. Those who play the virtual NFL title can put their skills to the ultimate test against other service members.

Play as your favorite team, Thunstedt said.

Prizes will be awarded for the Madden tournament, as well as for other games like football squares.

Judging will also take place for the Ultimate Warrior Zone Eats competition where the best of four recipes will be selected and become a new addition on the Warrior Zone menu.

The goal was to get some excitement around the food, Thunstedt said. We feature the Warrior Zone as the home away from home. What do you eat?

Original recipe ideas from Warrior Zone patrons will be judged based on appearances, taste and affordability.

The Warrior Zone is open for all members of the JBLM community ages 18 and older.

There are other options for those who want to watch the game with their families in a social setting.

Carey Theater on Lewis Main will show the Seahawks and Broncos game on the movie screen. The theater has broadcast the NFL playoff games since earlier this month.
On McChord Field, football fans can watch the game at Whispering Firs Golf Course or at the Pub and Deli (Bldg. 1146) on Barnes Blvd.